Our final view was that of three ruffs unconcernedly
feeding, despite our obvious presence. Leaving the marsh in
the failing light, we passed through the little town centre
of Rainham, with its perfect Norman church and tower
dominating the little square.
**************
BOOK REVIEWS
DARWIN AMD THE BEAGLE by Alan Moorhead
It is, perhaps, something of a coincidence that I
read Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle a number of years ago,
while confined to my bed, and now, this month, I have read
Alan Moorhead's book, Darwin and the Beagle, during another
brief spell in bed, Both books have made a vivid impression
on me, - the first because it is a wonderful narrative
written in a style that should be the envy of any novelist,
and the second because it complements the first, and is also
in a simple, readable style that I like.
Alan Moorhead describes the voyage of the Beagle and
puts it in its historical context. He adds family notes,
quotes from the writings of Darwin's contemporaries, and
brings to life some of the companions of the young naturalist
on that voyage which I am sure must be regarded as the most
significant voyage of all time.
There is, too, a wealth of colour and monochrome
illustrations, culled from many sources; a large number are
by the two official artists on the Beagle, firstly Augustus
Earle and then Conrad Martens.
Another attraction is that this book is now published
in soft covers by Penguin Books in the same size and format
as the earlier hard-cover, and at the low price of £1.25.
Editor
Page 11